The Barometer Online

Issue date: 11/10/06 Section: Diversions

Media Credit: Sam Leinen

In a world where every artist is looking for something original and different to capture a new audience with, OK Go has definitely nailed it. Not only was their show in downtown Portland's Hawthorne Theatre Saturday, Nov. 4, abnormal and different, but it also showed what four average guys could pull together after being recognized solely because of a treadmill outbreak.

That's right - treadmill.

Exactly a month after releasing "Here It Goes Again" to the Internet world, OK Go proved themselves to millions of viewers, performing their choreographed treadmill routine on live television for MTV's Video Music Awards in late August.

Think about it: in less than a month, this band went from running around on gym equipment in front of a store-bought tarp to being invited to perform in one of the most popular award ceremonies on television to date.

Half of the audience in Portland was under the age of 14. To make matters worse, there were more parents on the side of the venue then it seemed kids. OK Go had quite a swearing bout at one point but apologized when the lead singer realized the number of "little kids" looking up at him in the middle crowd. It was a laughable matter.

Confetti cannons, a fog entrance/exit, inflatable dancing tubes and a microphone camera contributed to the setting of the show. There were so many other detailed elements involved, it would be impossible to list them all. The band also took stage at the back of the venue and performed an acoustic version of "A Million Ways" and "What to Do" for the bar upstairs to see.

Opening entertainment for OK Go included Portland metal/punk band The Mediam and Sweden electronic-pop Quit Your Day Job. The Mediam personally lost my respect when its lead singer announced to the audience members to check out their MySpace accounts after the show. This band cursed, showed obscene gestures and screamed its little metal/punk heart out ... all in front of pre-teens and their parents. I couldn't help but laugh to myself. These people had talent - don't get me wrong - but in no way did they keep the attention of an audience looking forward to the happy and enlightening tunes of OK Go.

Quit Your Day Job, on the other hand, gave a performance just the opposite of the opening band. Full of energy, the threesome quickly undressed from their parkas, hats and scarves. One member tore just about all clothing off and played his whole set confidently and contently. With song titles such as "Sperms Are Germs," "Look! A Dollar" and "Erase My Face," the Swedish band made quite an impact on the crowd that rainy night.

As the concert-goers left the venue, remarks of the encore traced the building, during which OK Go's first music video, "A Million Ways," was replicated on stage, and the instruments were moved for the band to perform a "Backyard Dance," swinging and twirling each other while the crowd cheered on. The encore, by far, summed up the band: fun, energetic and just a little different.

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